Monthly Archives: October 2012

31-days-of-randomness-personal-inspiration-29 – Little Things

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Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.
Vincent Van Gogh

In continuation of my 31 days of randomness  – Day 29 – Always going for the big picture..

Everyone is always saying that you need to take a step back and look at the big picture.  We are a results oriented society and for the most part I agree with this philosophy.  It’s true that when you are caught up in a certain situation, all you can sometimes see are these little unconnected parts that are hard to separate from and  grasp.  In those cases it’s a good idea to get guidance from a friend who can see the “whole” and not get bogged down with all of the little things that you can’t seem to break away from.

However today my inspiration is to take some time and really analyze a few things in my life.  Break my end-game into minute and miniscule pieces in order to try to jig-saw it back into a finished picture.  While others get caught up in the tiny pieces I’m so focused on the end result that I sometimes forget how important each of those little, tiny pieces are.  The little things are sometimes more important than the giant ones and if you forget to take care of those things, the end result, the big picture is just not going to have a solid foundation.

Today I’m going to start pulling in these tiny pieces to such a degree I will no longer recognize what they are.  I will analyze them until I can “get it” then slowly expand my focus until I can see the little things more clearly and figure out how they connect with each other correctly.  Stop rushing, slow it down, figure it out.  Wish me luck.

Don’t forget about the little things.. they are good.. they are bad.. they are what makes you break down and what makes you grow into who you are..

This all started from a random site I found called thenester.com.  Apparently there is a group of people who have committed to posting a topical theme a day for 31 days.  31 Dayers 2012
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31-days-of-randomness-personal-inspiration-28- Brush it off

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In continuation of my 31 days of randomness  – Day 28 – Try and Try again.

This song applies in so many ways at so many different times in my life.  With work, with friendships and with love.  Most recently I would have to say it really applies with language. While in Korea I learned approximately 8 Korean words.  I spent 5 months learning Spanish and 2 years living in the country and still.. I struggle.  I will soon be spending 7 months learning Nepali for work and I have to tell you I am a bit nervous at my lack of ability to catch on to the nuances of languages.   So my inspiration for today and for approximately the next year is to just brush myself off and try again, try again.

I was inspired to write this blog by a very well written blog which I have cut and pasted below (I have trouble withe the “re-blogging” option.  I don’t like the format.  I wish I had read this blog approximately 10 years ago, it would have been posted in my bilingual 1st and 2nd grade classes, all of my Korean classrooms and subsequently given to all of my language teachers.

Looney Toon-y Advice for Speaking a New Language

Learning a new language can be tough, and learning how to get comfortable using that language is even harder!   After you learn how to properly pluralize toilet paper, you still have to gear yourself up to ask a stranger where the bathroom is.  Most of my relatives speak English as a second language, and it didn’t take me long to realize that Looney Tunes teaches you everything you need to know about being comfortable using a newly-learned language.  So here it goes, Advice from the Toons:

Porky Says :  Don’t Panic — If you can’t say it one way, say it another.

Porky the Pig is known for his stutter, but he compensates by replacing words that are hard for him to say with words that are easier.   It’s a simple technique, but an effective one.  Often times, new language learners get so focused on saying one word properly that they don’t just try to complete their thought in a new way.

For example: If you want to find the library, but don’t know the right word for library or don’t feel comfortable saying it, try asking where you can get or borrow a book.

Sylvester Says :  Over Pronounce — Don’t be afraid to over do it.

Sylvester the Cat is known for his spitty, overly pronounced word usage.  The truth is, most languages involve an emphasis that doesn’t come naturally to most new learners.  So whether it’s rolling an R, distinguishing between a B and V, or pronouncing a sound that you’ve never had to make before — just over-do it.  People will understand!

For example: Where I grew up, it’s common for people to drop the H from words that start with an H.  Like “heat” instead of “eat”.  But since you wouldn’t want someone to EAT THE PIE that you just asked them to HEAT, it’s important to over emphasize the sound you know you struggle with.

Bugs Says :  Get Visual — Use props and body language.

Bugs Bunny is known for references that his demographic most certainly does not understand, and using words incorrectly.  Instead of fretting over the incorrect word choice, though, Bugs just points to things around him, pulls out handy reference items, and uses body language to make sure the point gets across.  New language learners often forget to use the world around them as a tool!

For example: If you want to know if a dish on a menu is spicy, but don’t know how to ask– point at the menu and then make the universal gesture for “I just ate something hot!”.  (You know, wave your hand in front of your open mouth and bulge your eyes out a bit.)

Tweety Says :  Repeat — Repeat, repeat, and then say it again

Tweety speaks Birdy as a first language, so when he speaks in English, he often has to repeat what he said.  Sometimes in different ways!  Many new language learners feel embarrassed when someone asks them to repeat something — but remember that quite often, they just didn’t hear you, or maybe didn’t understand that particular phrasing.  Try asking the question in a way that repeats your questions as much as possible.

For example:  If you need directions to the supermarket say the equivalent of, “Can you help me find my way? I’m trying to get directions to the supermarket.  If I go left, will I arrive at the supermarket?”  rather than just “How do I get to the supermarket?”

Daffy Says :  Get Loud — Mumbling is for Natives.

Daffy has a lisp, but it doesn’t stop people from understanding him because he speaks loudly and clearly.  If you’re patient with your speech, assertive in your delivery, and loud enough in volume, you have much greater odds of being understood.  Many new language learners mumble because they’re afraid of making a mistake, but the safest bet is to speak loud enough for people to hear you.

For example: If you’re looking at your feet and mumbling when you ask where the bathroom is, people will probably rely on your body language to fill in the blanks that they didn’t hear.  They’ll assume they’re talking about your shoes, and you will get very confusing advice!

Pepé Says :  Be Proud of your Multilingual Abilities — Language is a beautiful gift.

Pepé is French, and isn’t trying to hide it.  If he doesn’t know the word in English, he says it in French. If he can say it best in French, then he does and explains why.  Language is about communication, and communication is a two-way street.  People are open to learning more about your language if your language gets the point across better.

For example: The French phrase “je ne sais quoi” has been nearly fully adapted into English because it’s simply the best way to say it.

_____________

In summary– don’t be so hard on yourself, and take it easy.

That’s all, folks!

This all started from a random site I found called thenester.com.  Apparently there is a group of people who have committed to posting a topical theme a day for 31 days.  31 Dayers 2012
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31-days-of-randomness-personal-inspiration-27-write it down – check it off

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In continuation of my 31 days of randomness  – Day 27 – List it – check it off – list it – check it off.

As you can see from my last 31 day blog, 26, I was a bit scattered.  I am not sure how i was counting but apparently I was trying to shove day 26, 27 and 29 together.  Not even sure what I did with day 28.  No matter, I’m back, more inspired than ever and ready to get going.  As I have come to realize that I’m very easily distracted and with so much going on and needing to be done, I’ve also come to realize that I need to resort to the dreaded/loved list method of managing my time and tasks.  As much as lists can drive me crazy, there is just something that is satisfying about crossing off the chores and tasks and creating a semblance of order in what can end up being a super-chaotic countdown.

So in honor of that time of year, I am inspiring myself to make a list and check it twice and I hope I can inspire you to do that as well with some of the following lists and links to lists I have found.  Enjoy.

1.  Paula (paula@listproducer.com) has a great start up list for many different things you might find yourself needing to do in almost any situation.  She also offers the opportunity to send her suggestions for new lists.  Just click (LISTS) to find PDF files on checkoff lists ranging from health, packing and kids to weddings, beauty and moving issues.

2.  This inspired me blogger offers 21 suggestions for success.  Sadly some of these things you can only learn in retrospect.

3.  Lists do not to all be of the “check-off” kind.  You can create inspiration through song or movie lists that have caused you to move or change thought or energy levels such as Micheal Fear from Under 30ceo has done with this list of inspirational songs.  After the initial top 10 he has about 50 others listed in honorable mention.

Top 10

1.  Live Your Life – T.I.  [feat. Rihanna] 

“But you know what, at the end of the road through all the adversity, if you can get where you wanted to be, you remember whatever don’t kill you make you stronger, and all of the adversity was worth it.”

2. Lose Yourself  – Eminem (Explicit)

“Look, if you had one shot, or one opportunity. To seize everything you ever wanted in one moment.  Would you capture it or just let it slip?”

3. Unwritten – Natasha Bedingfield

“Live your life with arms wide open.  Today is where your book begins.  The rest is still unwritten.”

4 . Empire State of Mind –  Jay-Z [feat. Alicia Keys] (explicit)

“New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made of.  There’s nothin’ you can’t do.  Now you’re in New York.  These streets will make you feel brand new.  Big lights will inspire you.  Let’s hear it for New York”

5. Firework – Katy Perry

“You just gotta ignite the light, and let it shine.  Just own the night like the 4th of July.  ’Cause baby you’re a firework.  Come on, show ‘em what you’re worth.  Make ‘em go “Oh, oh, oh”.  As you shoot across the sky-y-y”

6. Live Like We’re Dying – Kris Allen

“What would you wish you would’ve done.  Yeah, we gotta start. Looking at the hands of the time we’ve been given.  If this is all we got and we gotta start thinking.  If every second counts on a clock that’s ticking, gotta live like we’re dying”

7. Billionaire – Travie Mccoy

“Oh every time I close my eyes.  I see my name in shining lights yeah.  A different city every night alright.  I swear the world better prepare.  For when I’m a billionaire”

8. Never Say Never – Justin Bieber

“And there’s just no turning back.  When your heart’s under attack  .Gonna give everything I have.  It’s my destiny.  I will never say never! “

9.  The Story of Your Life – Matthew West

“This is the story of your life.  You decide, how the rest is gonna read.  This is your chance between the lines, to redefine what kind of legacy you leave”

10.  One Step at a Time – Jordin Sparks

“You wanna show the world, but no one knows your name yet.  Wonder when and where and how you’re gonna make it. You know you can if you get the chance.”

4.  Still not inspired, why not take a peak at IMBd’s list of inspirational movies?  You don’t have to agree with the movies chosen here and as a matter of fact it something you could create on your own and refer to when you feel you need to. There are about 20 more on the list, but this is a good start.

Image of Dead Poets SocietyImage of Rain ManImage of PhiladelphiaImage of The Shawshank RedemptionImage of Forrest Gump

Image of A Beautiful Mind

Image of Life Is BeautifulImage of Billy ElliotImage of The World's Fastest Indian

I guess my point is, I’m have been once again inspired to pull out the old pencil and paper and create my own list of things to do, movies to watch and songs to listen to.  First thing on my list today is.. wake up.. where’s my cup o’ joe..

This all started from a random site I found called thenester.com.  Apparently there is a group of people who have committed to posting a topical theme a day for 31 days.  31 Dayers 2012

Travel Theme: Spooky

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This week’s theme from Where’s my backpack is spooky.  Even though I did not participate in the fiestas of ghoul this year I do in fact have a few spooky photos to share.  I hope you enjoy.

 

If you’d like to join in this week’s travel theme, here’s what to do:

  • Create your own bone-chilling post and title it Travel Theme: Spooky
  • Include a link to this page in your post so others can find it too
  • Get your post in by next Thursday, as the new travel theme comes out on Friday
  • Don’t forget to subscribe to keep up to date on the latest weekly travel themes
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31 days of randomness – Personal Inspiration 26 – Premonitions

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In continuation of my 31 days of randomness  – Day 26,27,29 – Give it a rest!!!

I’ve committed myself to writing on one topic and staying only on that one topic for at least 31 days.  As mentioned in previous posts, I have very succinctly stated that focus is not my forte.  I’ve been quite distracted over the past couple of weeks and I have mostly stayed on track.  Somehow I did fall behind on this 31 day quest so today I’m simply catching up.  That and…

More importantly, I have lost some of my interest in this topic and like at any other point in my life when I lose interest in something or just plainly become confused I seek guidance from a person, place or thing that has a way more in depth understanding of life’s twists and turns.

As a child I would use the “magic 8 ball” that many remember from childhood.  You simply pose a “yes” or “no” question and it will resolve the dilemma with a simple shake and flip.  Life was easy back then.  Every question asked would receive answers such as the following.

 

As an adult I still enjoy a little guidance from the magic 8 ball, but I usually don’t have it handy so most of the time I have to make decisions all by my self.  Several years ago my sister bought a book called “The Oracle” which operates quite a bit like this magical childhood toy.

I loved it so much I rushed out and got it as well.  Why wouldn’t I?  The book description states in very bold letters “The Oracle Book KNOWS YOUR FUTURE” (This mysterious book is a do-it-yourself divination tool. Ask it a yes-or-no question, and find your answer within…”  How could I resist you ask.. I couldn’t.  So I have been packing this book around for several years now and will randomly pull it out when I am faced with a difficult situation.. like continuing to blog on this one word for nearly 6 more days.   Here is a spattering of a few of the answers you might receive when asking this book a question..

 

 

All very good advice when someone is struggling with a burning yes or no question.  However, as of late when I ask a question the only answer I seem to arrive at is “You’ve rolled AN ELEVEN:  give it a rest.

So for today that is my inspiration…

This all started from a random site I found called thenester.com.  Apparently there is a group of people who have committed to posting a topical theme a day for 31 days.  31 Dayers 2012

 

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